Golfers and Kids Shine at Masters Par-3 Contest

Annual family-friendly event precedes the main tournament at Augusta National.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:09am

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A dynamic, colorful painting featuring golfers and children playing together on the Par-3 course at Augusta National, with the vibrant energy of the event captured through expressive brushstrokes and neon hues.The annual Par-3 Contest at the Masters allows golf's top players to share the sport they love with their families in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.Augusta Today

Ahead of the prestigious Masters golf tournament, players and their children participated in the Par-3 Contest, a long-standing tradition at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The relaxed, family-friendly event allows golfers to enjoy the course with their loved ones in a more casual setting before the main competition begins.

Why it matters

The Par-3 Contest is a beloved part of Masters week, providing a lighthearted break from the intense focus of the tournament. It showcases the personal side of professional golfers and helps cultivate the next generation of talent by involving their children.

The details

The Par-3 Contest features golfers playing a shorter, 9-hole course at Augusta National with their family members as caddies. Many players bring their spouses, children, or grandchildren to participate, creating memorable moments as they navigate the picturesque course together.

  • The Par-3 Contest takes place annually on the Wednesday before the start of the Masters tournament.
  • This year's event was held on April 9, 2026.

The players

Augusta National Golf Club

The prestigious golf course that hosts the annual Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

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What’s next

The 2026 Masters Tournament will begin on Thursday, April 10, following the conclusion of the Par-3 Contest.

The takeaway

The Par-3 Contest at the Masters is a cherished tradition that allows golf's top players to share the sport they love with their loved ones, fostering a sense of community and passing the torch to the next generation of golfers.